July 27, 2006
Peabody Police vs. North Shore Oldtimers since 1956
50th anniversary of Peabody Police Jimmy Fund baseball game, Sept. 4
PEABODY, Mass.— Members of the Peabody Police force will take on the North Shore Oldtimers for the 50th year in a row on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. Since its inception in 1956, the event has benefited the Jimmy Fund and supported cancer care and research at Boston's own Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, making it among the oldest, continually running events to benefit the Jimmy Fund.
Last year and over its history, the annual baseball game, despite the fact that it's "played just for fun," has attracted many former big league athletes. These include: baseball players John Tudor, Johnny Pesky, Bill Lee, Rowley Eastwick, Chris Howard, Bob Tewksbury, Richard Gale and Rico Petrocelli; former Bruins Ray Bourque, Rick Middleton, Reggie Lemelin, Brad Park, and Bob Sweeney; and former Celtic Rick Weitzman.
At this year's 50th anniversary game, many of these retired players from Peabody and the surrounding areas are expected to once again show up. Sponsored by Pepsi, Outback Steakhouse, Celebrities for Charity, and Carrabba's Italian Grill, the event features plenty of food and activities including a performance by the USS Constitution Color Guard. Actor Ryan Merriman, who has 18 films, including "Deep End of the Ocean" and "Final Destination 3," many appearances on the Disney Channel, and three television series to his credit, will be making a special visit to the event.
"We thank all of the businesses and the public who have supported this event over the years," said Peabody Police Officer John Nelson. "We expect this year to be more fun than ever and hope that everyone comes out to have a good time for a good cause."
Estimates are that the Peabody Police, through the game and a variety of other fundraisers, have contributed nearly $300,000 to the Jimmy Fund. All funds are raised exclusively by contribution; there is no set amount charged to enjoy the game and surrounding events.
The game gets under way at 10 a.m. at Emerson Park in Peabody and additional activities for the whole family start off even earlier. For more information about the event, visit www.jimmyfund.org or call Sarah Neukom at 617-632-5008.
